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MILLVILLE FLOOR LOOM

I did a complete restoration of this 100 year old, counter balance, 4 shaft loom. 

It is so fun to weave on... You have to love an overhead beater!

What I know of the history of the Millville Loom.
100 years and going strong!

Partly a reaction to the end of the Industrial Revolution, The New Brunswick Provincial Government established the Handicrafts Branch, and the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton, to preserve cottage industries beginning in the 1930's.

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The looms were built by two brothers under the name "G & T Craftsmen" in Millville, New Brunswick, Canada beginning in the 1920's. The School bought the looms, trained people to weave on them and then sent the students home with a loom. A system much like the Madawaska weavers used until recently.

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By the 1960's, the cottage industry idea seems to have started to wane and a program of summer courses in Fundy National Park was established. Looms were moved to Fundy for the summer then back to Fredericton for the winter until the programs stopped and the equipment was sold off and replaced by more compact looms in the 1970's.

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Whether G & T Craftsmen were in the loom business on their own or were contracted by the government is unknown at this time. The brothers also built a rigid heddle loom with their label on it, so they made more than just floor looms.

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​By my count, there are 14 Millville Looms known to exist at this time. One of the looms is still in the hands of a woman who went through the training program in New Brunswick. Current list of looms, their serial numbers (if known) and their locations are listed below. 

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I have not done any formal research to collaborate this history. It is what I have learned from other Millville Loom owners.

Millville Loom

Millville #349

News Article

Newspaper Clipping about the Fundy National Park

MILLVILLE FLOOR LOOMS

List of Known Looms

Rug 1.png

Area Rug

I really enjoyed weaving these Diamonds and Bars Twill Rugs!

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Tea Towels!

Currently weaving these Cottolin Tea Towels. 

Classic Title

Restoration Project

An overview of the process from first meeting to weaving on the loom.

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